NDMA Issues High Flood Alert for Ravi River as India Releases Water

Islamabad, Pakistan – The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued a high-flood alert for the Ravi River, warning of potential severe inundation across several districts in Punjab. The alert, issued by the NDMA's National Emergency Operations Center (NEOC), comes as India's Thein Dam, also known as the Ranjit Sagar Dam, has begun releasing significant volumes of water.

According to the latest advisory, India has released 77,000 cusecs of water from the Thein Dam's spillways, which are now open. The flow is expected to intensify as the dam, which was reportedly at 97% capacity, continues to discharge water amid persistent and heavy rainfall in the upstream catchment areas.

The situation is further compounded by inflows from other tributaries and nullahs originating from the Pir Panjal range, including Bein, Basantar, and Dek, which are also swelling due to the ongoing monsoon spell. The NDMA's NEOC reports that the Ravi River's flow at Kot Naina has surged, with a high flood wave anticipated to reach Jassar, Shahdara, and Head Baloki in the coming hours.

The warning has prompted a swift and coordinated response from authorities. The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) in Punjab has initiated large-scale evacuation operations in flood-prone districts, with thousands of residents already relocated to safer areas. District administrations have been instructed to remain on high alert, implement emergency measures, and establish relief camps with essential supplies, including food, water, and medicine.

The NDMA has advised citizens in low-lying and riverine areas to immediately evacuate and avoid unnecessary travel near the riverbanks. The public is urged to stay informed through official channels, including local television, radio, and the NDMA Disaster Alert mobile application.

This latest flood alert is part of a series of warnings issued by the NDMA and other meteorological agencies as Pakistan grapples with a devastating monsoon season marked by record rainfall and widespread flooding. The monsoon has already led to a high number of casualties and significant damage to infrastructure across the country, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab. With the rivers Chenab and Sutlej also experiencing high to exceptionally high flood levels, the next 48 to 72 hours are deemed critical for Punjab's disaster response.

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